Switch control device



July 8, 1969 L- ca. WILDE I SWITCH CONTROL DEVICE Filed Nov. 6. 1967 I N VENTOR. LEQN G. WILDE BY mmddm/ SWITCHING MECHAN\SM ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,454,735 SWITCH CONTROL DEVICE Leon G. Wilde, 3 Chandler Circle, Andover, Mass. 01810 Filed Nov. 6, 1967, Ser. No. 680,880 Int. Cl. H0111 3/00, 9/00; F16h 53/00 US. Cl. 200166 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A multiposition lever switch whereby the lever motion is substantially linear and wherein the lever is mounted on pivoting and sliding means and guided by a cam surface which provides for detented or continuous motion.

The present invention relates to control operating devices for operating or controlling the operation of a switching mechanism and more particularly to an improved multiposition lever switch. By switching mecha nism it is meant a device such as a valve, potentiometer, electric switch or similar devices.

In prior art switches in which an electrical switch is operated by a lever, the operating lever is pivoted about a fixed point causing the operating knob to move in a circular arc. One disadvantage of these prior art switches is that the motion, being a circular arc, it not natural but is substantially different from the natural movement of the operators hand. Another disadvantage of such prior art switches is that it is extremely difficult to provide a multiplicity of positions because of the limited arc through which the lever could be made to travel. Still other disadvantages are that such prior art switches do not present an attractive appearance because the lever protrudes from the panel when in a central position and projects from the panel at a sharp angle when in the end-most positions. Also it is difficult to clearly mark the switch positions on a fiat panel through which the lever protrudes because of the parallax between the operating knob and the panel markings for most viewing positions.

In slide-type switches of the prior art, a knob of linear motion is provided, however the operation of such knobs is not smooth and no mechanical advantage is obtained between the operating knob and the switching mechanism.

Accordingly, a principal object of the present invention is to provide a switch which overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art switches.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a lever switch which may be easily adapted to provide various switching functions as may be required.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a switch which may be easily and inexpensively manufactured.

These and other objects of the invention will in part be obvious and will in part appear hereinafter.

The invention accordingly comprises the apparatus possessing the construction, combination of elements and arrangement of parts which are exemplified in the following detailed disclosure, and the scope of the application of which will be indicated in the claims. For a fuller understanding of the nature and objects of the invention reference should be had to the following detailed description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic schematic, side, sectional view of one preferred form of apparatus for practicing the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagrammatic, schematic, fragmentary view taken along the line 22 of FIG. 1 showing the mounting of the lever.

FIG. 3 is a diagrammatic, schematic, fragmentary view of a modified form of the detent cam for providing automatic return of the knob when released from certain operating positions.

FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic, schematic, fragmentary view of a modified form of the detent cam for providing locking of the knob in one or more positions.

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic, schematic view of one preferred embodiment of an electric control device for practicing the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic, schematic view of another embodiment of the invention illustrating multiposition switching arrangements.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic, schematic, fragmentary view of an alternate form of the cam for providing continuous motion.

In accordance with the present invention as briefly stated there is provided a lever switch which is pivotally and slidably mounted and guided laterally by a cam surface which also serves as a detent. While the present invention is not limited in its use to linear type switches it is particularly suitable in the construction of such switches.

Referring now to the various figures of the drawing wherein like reference characters refer to like elements, lever means 2 is mounted in supporting frame 4, and operated by knob means 6. Preferably frame 4 is provided with two sides 4' and 4". Lever 2 is constrained by and its movement defined and controlled by the walls of slot 8, the surface of cam means 10, lever position member 12, slot 14, pivot means 16, and spring means 18. As particularly shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 the slot 14 of lever 2 is slidably mounted in grooves 20 and 22 of pivot means 16. Pivot means 16 is mounted in frame 4 by the engagement of posts 24, 24' in openings 26, 26 in frame 4.

The lateral position of lever 2 is determined by the engagement of lever position member 12 of lever 2 with the surface of cam 10. Spring means 18 provides sufficient tension to urge lever position member 12 against the surface of cam 10. In this manner the surface of cam means 10 defines the motion of lever 2 when operated by knob 6. Lever position member 12 may be arranged to be rotatable to provide a rolling action rather than a sliding action over the cam surface.

The surface of cam 10 is provided with a plurality of indentations 28 for detent action. Preferably the cam surface of each indentation 28 and the raised portion 30 of the cam surface between indentations are curvilinear and of such shape as to give a smooth detent action. Preferably the distance between the raised portion 30 and the side 35 of the cam surface 10 is only sufficient to permit position member 12 to pass therebetween although the distance may be greater.

Although the supporting frame is shown with two sides 4, 4" it is understood that one side may be employed. In this form pivot means 16 is pivotally secured to the side 4, or 4" by suitable means (not shown) well known in the art. Also it is to be understood that a cam surface 10 may be provided on each side of lever 2.

Thus it is apparent that as lateral motion is imparted to lever 2 by an operator, the knob 6 will follow a path as indicated by the dotted line 32 as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 5. Additionally it can be seen that the raised portions 30 of the cam surface serve to prevent lever 2 from moving to another contact position when urged by spring means 18.

A modified embodiment of the cam surface of the present invention is illustrated by FIG. 3. In this embodiment the cam surface from position 34 to 36 and 34' to 36 is linear and inclined with respect to the spring tension so that when lever 2 is moved to either the contact position 34 or 34' the tension of the spring 18 is sufficient to return the lever to the contact positions 36, 36' respectively without any other force being applied to knob 6. In this manner there is provided a spring return detenting action whereby the lever is moved from one contact position to another or from a contact position to a non-contact position. This feature of the invention is useful in intercoms, for example, for switching from talk to listen positions.

A further modified embodiment of the cam surface of the present invention is illustrated in FIG. 4. In this embodiment of the present invention locking indentations 38 are provided. The locking indentations of the cam surface are preferably provided with straight or linear sides for the reception of lever position member 12. In this manner lever 2 cannot be moved to any other indentation either by spring action or by lateral force applied to knob 6. In orderto move lever 2 to another indentation it is first necessary to apply longitudinal force to knob 6, that is, lever position member 12 is first pulled clear from the indentation before laterally moving lever 2 to another indentation.

Referring now to FIG. there is shown a preferred embodiment of the electrical switch control means of the present invention. As illustrated in FIG. 5 the electrical switch control means comprises a fixed contact 40 which is connected electrically in turn to each of the fixed contacts 42a 4211 by means of movable contact strip or conductor 44 which is mounted on lever 2 by suitable means (not shown) well known to those skilled in the art. Conductor 44 is connected electrically to contact 40 in each contact position of lever 2 along the cam surface by means of the slidable engagement of the end portion 46 of conductor 44. The tip portion 48 of conductor 44 slidably engages the fixed contacts 42a 4211 as lever 2 is moved to successive contact positions of indentations 28. Conductor 44 may be provided, at its end portion 46, with slotted guide means 50 which prevents conductor 44 from moving out of alignment for electrical contact. It is to be understood that while the contacts 42a 42n are preferably positioned adjacent the indentations 28, they may be positioned adjacent the other end of conductor 44. In this form of the invention the end of conductor 44 opposite tip 48 would serve as tip 48.

Referring now more especially to FIG. 6 there is shown a preferred embodiment of the invention for providing a double-pole double-throw switching for one-half, that is one side, of the switch. In this embodiment two conductors 52 and 54 are mounted on lever 2 which slidably engage fixed contacts 56- through 62. In the position of lever 2 as shown, moving conductors 52 and 54 engage fixed contacts 60 and 62 respectively. Thus it is apparent that in another position conductors 52 and 54 will engage fixed contact-s 56 and 58 respectively. The fixed contacts 58 and 60 are connected electrically to fixed contact 42 by movable -conductor strip 54, while the fixed contacts 56 and 60 are connected electrically to fixed contact 47 by movable conductor strip 52. It is to be understood that the same arrangement may be provided on the other side of lever 2 thereby providing a four-pole double-throw switch. Additionally other pole and contact positions may be provided in the same manner.

Referring now to FIG. 7 of the drawing there is shown an alternate form of the cam for providing smooth or continuous motion rather than detent motion. In this form of the invention the cam surface is a smooth surface. Preferably surface 64 corresponds in shape to surface 10. Preferably the distance between surface 10 and surface 64 is no greater than necessary to permit position means 12 to pass therebetween. In this manner the spring means 18 of FIG. 1 is not necessary. However, it is to be understood that the distance between surfaces 10 and 64 may be greater in which case it is preferable to provide such spring means. It is apparent that as lateral motion is imparted to lever 2 by an operator, the

knob 6 will follow a path as indicated by the dotted line 66.

Referring again to FIG. 1 of the drawing it is to be understood that the switch control device of the present invention is suitable for operating various switching mechanisms such as valves, potentiometers, or other similar devices whereby the switch control device is connected to the switching mechanism by suitable electrical or mechanical translating means schematically represented by the dotted line l of FIG. 1. Such connecting means are well known to those skilled in the art and hence are not described in detail.

While the invention has been described with respect to specific embodiment thereof it is to be understood that certain changes may be made without departing from the invention. For example, the cam surface may be constructed and arranged as part of a separable member or of a bezel over which knob 6 moves. In this manner the contact positions or detenting action may be changed by a change of the cam or bezel.

Since certain changes may be made in the above apparatus without departing from the scope of the invention herein involved, it is intended that all matter contained in the above description, or shown in the accompanying drawings, shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

What isclaimed is:

1. A switch control device for operating a switching mechanism, comprising a supporting frame, a lever means pivotally and slidably mounted on said frame, a cam surface disposed on said frame, means associated with said lever means for guiding said lever in a direction along said cam surface, the path and motion of said lever being defined by said cam surface, and means connecting said lever with a switching mechanism for translating movement of said lever to said switching mechanism.

2. The switch control device of claim 1 wherein said cam surface has a plurality of indentations whereby detent motion of said lever is provided.

3. The switch control device of claim 1 wherein said cam surface is continuous whereby continuous motion of said lever is provided.

4. A switch comprising a supporting frame, a lever pivotally and slidably mounted on said frame, a cam surface disposed on said frame and having a plurality of indentations, means associated with said lever for guiding said lever in a direction along said cam surface, the path of said lever being defined by said cam surface, a plurality of contacts disposed adjacent said lever and corresponding to each of said indentations, a contact mounted on said lever and movable therewith, whereby movement of said lever will selectivelymove said contact carried by said lever into engagement with each of said contacts corresponding to said indentations.

5. The switch of claim 4 wherein the surfaces of the indentations of said cam surface are curvilinear.

6. A switch comprising a supporting frame, a lever pivotally and slidably mounted on said supporting frame, a cam surface disposed on said frame and having a plurality of indentations and raised portions, position means mounted on said lever for movably engaging said cam surface and guiding said lever in a path defined by said cam surface, spring means for urging said position means against said cam surface, a plurality of contacts disposed along said cam surf-ace adjacent each indentation of said cam surface, a contact mounted on said lever and pivotally and slidably movable therewith, whereby movement of said position member of said lever to said indentations on said cam surface will move said movable contact into engagement with said contacts adjacent said indentations.

7. The switch of claim 6 wherein the surfaces of at least one indentation is constructed and arranged whereby the reception of said position member therein prevents pivotal movement of said lever until said lever is moved longitudinally.

8. The switch of claim 6 wherein a portion of the surface of at least one of said indentations is linear and sufliciently inclined whereby the tension of said spring means is sufiicient to provide spring return action of said lever along said inclined surface from one switch position to another.

9. The switch of claim 6 wherein said position means is constructed and arranged for rolling movement over said cam surface.

10. A switch comprising a supporting frame having spaced Walls, a lever pivotally and slidably mounted between said walls, an opening in at least one of said walls, a portion of the surface of said opening defining a cam surface having a plurality of indentations and raised portions, means mounted on said lever for movably engaging said cam surface and guiding said lever in a path defined by said cam surface, at least one electrically independent contact strip carried on at least one side of said lever, a

6 plurality of contacts disposed adjacent said lever and corresponding to each of said indentations whereby movement by said lever selectively move said contact strip into engagement with the corresponding contact adjacent said lever.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS HERMAN O. JONES, Primary Examiner.

US. Cl. X.R. 745 67 

